Ride Volunteers

[enzed]

I happen to be a "regular" volunteer. I tried it once to see what it was like, I've been coming back ever since.

Over the last 5 years I have volunteered in 11 supported cycle holidays.
In Australia, bicycle organisations in NSW, Queensland & Victoria put on 9 day supported cycling/camping holidays.
I have volunteered in 5 New South Wales Rides, 3 Queensland & 3 Bicycle Victoria rides. I was going to volunteer in Cycle Queensland which is on in September, but I wasn't selected. That peeved me a bit. They are going to go to Far North Queensland this year, & it would have been a great trip.

I usually volunteer in catering, as I know what I'm doing & I know alot of the people involved. Feeding hungry cyclists can be hard work, but the smiles & "thank you's" make it all worth the effort. Being involved in these trips ais a pleasure. I get to see different parts of the country, have met some great people & have spent fun evenings in many a country pub.

Last September I rode my first "Big Ride", the 2005 Cycle Queensland ride. It was so interesting to see what cyclists get up to all day. I had so much fun, I'm thinking of riding this years Great Victorian ride.

From all this it's pretty obvious that I enjoy my volunteering holidays. All my time off during the year is spent on these trips. It's been ages since I've been on a holiday, where there was no camping or cycling involved.

[susan.wells]

My LBC hosts a 3-day ride. I've done roving SAG. The company I work for sponsors the local marathon (Sunburst) and I've worked that one also. Speaking from both sides of the fence, provider & participant, I appreciate the volunteers tremendously when I'm a participant. As a provider, so far I've only assisted with no contribution to the planning, I'm somewhat shocked it (the event & services) all comes off as good as it does. For example, this last ride a participant suggested that the event host provide a cell phone number to a central SAG dispatch so you don't have to rely on roving SAG alone. I think that is a great idea & have seen it provided on many rides I've done. I think events should poll for suggestions because it is a difficult job to plan & implement an event without omitting something no matter how thorough you may be.